Opakapaka is commonly known as Crimson Snapper or Hawaiian Pink Snapper, although its skin is light brown. Opakapaka are usually caught at depths between 30 and 100 fathoms. Fish caught over hard bottoms have brighter skin colors than those caught over soft bottoms.
Although this species occurs throughout the tropical Pacific, nowhere does it grow as large as in the Hawaiian Islands. When a new opakapaka fishing area is discovered, the initial size of fish caught may be 12 to 18 pounds. Opakapaka of this size could be at least 10 years old. Opakapaka has a clear, light pink flesh that is firm in texture. Its delicate flavor has gained the opakapaka a reputation as Hawaii's premium table snapper.
Opakapaka fillets are well suited for an array of preparations, including baking, poaching and sauteing.
Opakapaka is commonly known as Crimson Snapper or Hawaiian Pink Snapper, although its skin is light brown. Opakapaka are usually caught at depths between 30 and 100 fathoms. Fish caught over hard bottoms have brighter skin colors than those caught over soft bottoms.
Although this species occurs throughout the tropical Pacific, nowhere does it grow as large as in the Hawaiian Islands. When a new opakapaka fishing area is discovered, the initial size of fish caught may be 12 to 18 pounds. Opakapaka of this size could be at least 10 years old.
